BASIC FACTS
What event were the prayers delivered at?
High school football games
What amendment was central to this case?
First amendment
Was the policy ruled constitutional or unconstitutiona?
Unconstitutional
Why did the families challenge the school’s policy?
They believed it pressured the students to participate in religion and made it seem like the school supported prayer
Who would deliver the prayers?
A student
What specific clause was involved?
Establishment clause
What was the Supreme Court vote?
6-3
how could a student who doesn’t agree with teh prayer feel at the event?
uncomfortable and pressured to conform
what was the name of the school district in the case?
Santa Fe school district
What does the establishment clause prevent?
Government establishment or promotion of religion
What was the main constitutional issue in the case?
Government endorsement of religion
Why is student choice not enough to make a religious activity constitutional in schools?
Becuase constitutional rights cannot be decided by majority vote
What state did this case come from?
Texas
Why does the school sponsored prayer violate the Establishment clause?
Because it represnets government endorsement of religion?
What side won the case, the school district or the students/families?
The students/families
How does this case protect students who are not religious?
It prevents schools from putting them in situations involving religious pressure
what year was the case decided?
2000
What constitutional principle requires the government to stay neutral when dealing with religion?
Separation of church and state
Why did the court consider the prayer school-sponsored?
It occured at a school event, used school equipment, and followed school policy
How does this case show the limits of student free speech in schools?
Student speech can be restricted when it appears school sponsored